Shop local with the ultimate Aberdeen city and shire Christmas gift guide

The festive season is officially upon us and with the shops starting to advertise for Christmas I’m sure some of you are also thinking about gifts. Christmas is a wonderful time of year but the lead up to it can feel overwhelming. There is just so much choice and too many people to buy for! But one easy way to feel less overwhelmed on the run up to Christmas is to try shopping locally.

This way you won’t end up paralysed by choice and there is a good chance your gift will be more unique and memorable. Because when you shop locally you can find hidden gems that just aren’t available on the high street! So today I’m encouraging you to  shop local with the ultimate Aberdeen city and shire Christmas gift guide for 2022. Featuring my top 5 local businesses where you can find the perfect locally bought Christmas gift.
If you’re looking for a gift that is traditional and stylish, give the gift of tartan this Christmas. The Sherlock Holmes Tartan range is produced locally and has been created by an authentic Scottish designer.

1. Sherlock Holmes Tartan

If you know someone who looks great in tartan (who doesn’t?), why not give them the gift of tartan this Christmas? When it comes to tartan clothing, you want something elegant but authentic, and that is what you get when you buy from an authentic local Scottish designer.

Our collection boasts an impressive Scottish heritage and our gifts are something truly special as they feature the official tartan of Sherlock Holmes. Whether you’re looking for something small but sleek like this tartan hip flask, or something bold and daring like this tartan deerstalker hat, we have something tartan for everyone this Christmas. If you know someone who wants to make a statement with their appearance, give them the gift of tartan this Christmas, from an authentic Scottish designer.

Keep your loved ones warm and looking their best this Christmas with luxurious tartan gifts and garms.

2. Haig’s Food Hall

This one is for the lovers of edible gifts in your life. Gifts that can be eaten are a lovely way to treat someone during the festive season and Haig’s Food Hall in Aberdeen is a great place to go for festive food. This local family business has been providing premium quality cuts of meat for over 30 years. If you have any foodies in your family they are sure to appreciate the high quality local produce available at Haig’s. 

3. Fudge Like

Since we are already talking about edible gifts I feel it’s only fair that we also recommend something for those with a sweet-tooth! Fudge Like is a luxury Scottish fudge brand based in Aberdeen. Their fudge is adored by everyone who tries it and they are known for having an amazing range of unique flavours that you are unlikely to find anywhere else. They also do gift boxes that are perfect for gifting to any fudge fans in your family over the festive period.

4. Wool For Ewe

Our next recommendation is for all the crafters of Aberdeen city and shire! Wool For Ewe is an adorable family run business and is the perfect place to source any crafting materials you might need for any knitting and crochet gifts. It’s the cosiest little knitting shop you’ve ever seen, but they are also great at what they do. They have been awarded the Best Independent Wool Store award three times for a reason! 

This is a great local business to get a unique Christmas gift from because they also run workshops at their store. So it really is a one-stop-shop for crafters, as you can learn the craft from the best and get your own crafting supplies, all at the same place. Perfect!

5. Ali Bali Jewellery

Looking to dazzle the special lady in your life? Or are you just after something nice for your mum because she deserves some nice jewellery? Either way you are bound to find something special that can be treasured for years at Ali Bali’s jewellery shop.

Based in the cosy little seaside town of Stonehaven, Ali Bali’s has a stunning and unique collection of jewellery that is suitable for any style or budget. They have been open since 2007 and have since become a well-respected and trusted name in the local area. Through tastefully mixing Scottish designs with various cultural styles they have created a collection that really is special. This is a great location if you want a gift that is wearable but also truly unique.

6. Ethical Gift Shop

Do you want to give your loved one something nice without compromising on your sustainable values? Then this ethical gift shop is the perfect place for you. This local Aberdeen shop is full of quaint and quirky gifts for people who care about the environment. Because you can be a great gifter and an ethical one too!

They also have a refillary area which has become very popular where you can get anything from food products, to a refill on your shampoo and conditioner. This is a lovely location for Christmas gift shopping because no matter what you choose to give to your loved one, you can rest assured knowing it has had a minimal impact on your carbon footprint.

Support your local community this Christmas

This has been the ultimate Aberdeen city and shire Christmas gift guide for 2022 and I hope it’s given you some gifting inspiration. I also strongly recommend that you give some of these local businesses a try when shopping for your Christmas gifts this year. It’s a great way to give a gift that is unique and meaningful, but also to support your local community. 

If you know someone who would love a splash of tartan for their winter wardrobe this year, take a look at our catalogue of tartan garms and accessories.

Tania Henzell